June 2004     "Creating a daily schedule for your teen is probably not the answer to cure the summertime blues, but offering some structure to a laidback summer can definitely help your family." The summer months for teens can be a time of rest and relaxation, but it can also be a time of boredom and bad moods. Trying to balance the demands of adult work schedules while providing safe and rewarding activities for teens can be a challenge. Creating a daily schedule for your teen is probably not the answer to cure the summertime blues, but offering some structure to a laidback summer can definitely help your family. Here are some things to think about when providing worthwhile activities for your teen. First, when a teen is bored, bad things ARE going to happen. The old saying, "Idle hands are the devil's tools", is so true! If your teen has something productive to do, it will protect them from making some bad choices. Second, it is very important to know who your teen is hanging out with, what they are doing, and where they are going. This is the greatest form of accountability and the responsibility of all parents! When your teen knows they will have to answer these questions, they will think twice before they do something or go somewhere while you are not around. Third, make challenges and goals for your teens this summer. Write down some things your teen wants to accomplish and several things you want your teen to accomplish. Having goals in mind will keep your teen focused. While taking a break from the normal routine is needed during the summer, continue to encourage your teen to be involved in summer church activities! Church camp, retreats, and fellowships are key to keeping your teen from experiencing the summertime blues! Here are some ideas to help your teen fight the summertime blues... 1. Talk to your teens about what they like to do. Planning out several summer activities will eliminate potential fights, wasted money, and wasted time. 2. Keep a check on TV and Internet use. Setting time constraints will keep your teen from wasting their summer as well as protect them from things they should not see. 3. Don't let your teen be a couch potato. Getting food from the refrigerator and going back to sit on the couch is NOT exercise! Make sure they are doing something active in the fresh air during the day. 4. Motivate your teen to read. Your family could read a specific chapter in the Bible or pick a Christian book to read and discuss throughout the summer. You will be strengthening their minds and their spiritual walk. What's planned for your family this summer? Chances are you aren't alone! How will you spend your summer vacation? 4% - At the Pool 2% - Camping 8% - Going on vacation with family 6% - Going on vacation with friends 68% - Hanging out with Friends 6% - Kicking Back 6% - Summer Job v-teens.org What's the best thing about having teens at home all summer? 11% - All the extracurricular activities they have time to do. 61% - Just getting to spend more quality time together. 8% - Having them walk the dog and feed the cat. 20% - Well there's...and then there's.... familyeducation.com

	Take some time this month and ask your teen these questions! Don't forget the fun part is allowing your teen to ask you the same questions! 1. What is the best thing about the summer months? Why? What is the worst thing about the summer months? Why? 2. If you could go on any vacation in the world, where would you go and why? 3. What are some physical, mental and spiritual goals you would like to accomplish this summer? 4. What summer blockbuster movie are you most excited about seeing?		Pray that... 1. God will give your family plenty of rest, relaxation, and time to just be with each other this summer. 2. God will protect your teen from the pitfalls of being bored and having a lot of time on their hands. 3. God will keep your family safe as you travel and participate in all the special summer activities. 4. God will give your teen a renewed commitment to God, as they have some additional time to focus their attention on what matters most! "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." II Timothy 2:22 (NIV) During the summer, it is easy to put our guard down from the enemy. This verse is a great reminder that we are to flee from anything that is not about God! The word flee calls for an active response. Paul did not tell Timothy to walk away, he told him to get out of any dangerous situation immediately. Most of us flirt with disaster, and more often than not, find ourselves messing up because we do not take heed to this advice. Tell your teens this summer that the only way to protect themselves from the enemy is to run away as fast as they can. The only way to have the power to run away is to pursue Him in righteousness, faith, love and peace.
	Did you know... * The annual teen employment rate will be at the lowest this summer since 1948. Some of the reasons are that companies are hiring unemployed adults, seniors and new immigrants for entry-level jobs that traditionally go to teens. Also, many cash-strapped cities and states have cut funding for summer teen job programs. (usatoday.com) * Nearly 40% of U.S. teens ages 13-17 have been a camper at least once at a summer camp run by a religious organization with religious teachings or songs in its program. (youthandreligion.org) * Of the teens attending religious camps this summer, 50% say their faith is extremely important in their day-to-day life while 18% say their faith is not important at all. (youthandreligion.org) * Research shows that teens with unsupervised time are three times more likely to use marijuana or other drugs. Unsupervised teens are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as underage drinking, sexual activity and cigarette smoking. (mediacampaign.org)

	This page is designed to inform and educate parents and is not meant to endorse any product, music, or movie. Our prayer is that you will make informed decisions on what your student listens to, wears, and sees!
	"Smooth is one of the premier rap/hip-hop artists in Christian music today, as well as being the creative force behind K2S (Key to Salvation)." K2S earned Dove Award nominations for rap song and rap album of the year. Having grown up in Los Angeles, CA, "Smooth never bowed to the pressures of the streets." He dedicated his life to Christ at age 16. "Smooth's mission is characterized by passion, dedication, hard work and a deep commitment to delivering groundbreaking music with a message for the people worldwide." His debut album, "Tha Messenger" addresses the unsaved. smoothofk2s.com What do you think of reality TV dating shows? 17% - They are cool! I want to be on one. 36% - They are fun to watch, but I would never do it. 29% - Totally rigged...totally lame! 8% - Reality dating shows? I only watch American Idol. 7% - What are you talking about? bolt.com		Albums: "D12 World" - 2004 "Devils Night" - 2001 Background: D12, also known as Dirty Dozen, was formed in 1990. Each member (Eminem, Proof, Bizarre, Kon Artis, Kuniva, and Swift) took on alter egos and counted them as other members of the group. "This controversial Detroit, Michigan-based populist hip-hop crew has benefited from their close involvement with Eminem," one of their early career cohorts. D12's debut album debuted at number 1 on the US and UK album charts in 2001. The accolades of their recent album are expected to exceed the first. Potential Controversy: The newest release, "D12 World", has a parental advisory warning and is filled with foul language that is too numerous to count. D12's lyrics focus on promoting violence/gun use, drugs, alcohol, and sex. Parent Q&A: D12 member Kon Artis said, "The media can't control hip-hop music, period. The best thing is if you're educated about it. I'm just trying to educate people." Q: On what information do you think Kon Artis is trying to "educate" people who listen to D12? Do you think he wants to educate people or shock people? In what ways do his actions support or invalidate his claims? (D12online.com)
	The summer movie releases are targeting teens. Here are just a few. TITLE RATING RED FLAGS GENRE STARRING Spider Man PG-13 For stylized action violence Science fiction Kirsten Dunst, Tobey Maguire Two Brothers PG For mild violence Drama Guy Pearce, Christian Clavier Around the World in 80 Days PG For action violence, some crude humor and mild language Action, Adventure Jackie Chan, Steve Coogan, Johnny Knoxville

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